Award for Teaching Excellence:
RECIPIENT: Lauren Remington
St. Croix Regional Technical Center, Calais EA
When Lauren Remington stepped into her role as the Early Childhood instructor at Croix Regional Technical Center, the program had been inactive for two years. The lack of resources seemed overwhelming at the time, but Lauren rose to the challenge. She not only revitalized the program but also tailored it to meet the needs of her students and the local community in Washington County. Understanding the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and credentials before they graduate, Lauren pursued an additional degree and certification, allowing her students to access dual enrollment courses through the University of Maine Farmington and Washington County Community College.
Outside of the classroom, Lauren demonstrates her commitment to student engagement through numerous extracurricular activities and roles. She participates in community events, runs a summer basketball program, serves on the Washington County Community College advisory board, and is a member of the Skills USA Board of Directors. Her students follow in her footsteps, choosing to work with her outside of school for many of these events because they want to be with her and feel a strong sense of community through her modeled behavior.
Lauren’s in resilience and dedication to expanding and advocating for her profession and her commitment to creating a welcoming environment for her students where every voice is valued have had a lasting impact not only on her students, but on the broader community of Washington County. The Maine Education Association is proud to present Laura Remington as the 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence.
Joan McGovern ESP Award
RECIPIENT: Debra Ladner
Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School
Oxford Hills EA
There are few parts of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School that Deb Ladner doesn’t help facilitate or support—she is the heart of the school. As the building secretary, Deb is often the first person students, families, and staff see in the morning. She supports 120 staff members at OHCHS with grace, dedication, and exceptional organization.
Deb is a pillar of support for students, families, and her colleagues. Whether assisting with union-related concerns, connecting students to food assistance and resources, or simply offering an understanding ear, Deb ensures that everyone feels safe, heard, and supported. Throughout her 20-year tenure in the district, Deb has been a cornerstone of communication between the schools, families, and community. Knowing that many rely on schools for access to essential resources beyond academics, Deb connects families with food assistance programs and collaborates with local organizations to provide students and families with necessary support, organizing school supply drives and holiday assistance programs.
Her strong presence in advocating for the rights and needs of ESPs across the district has helped to ensure fair wages, improve working conditions, and support professional development opportunities for all staff, inspiring others along the way. Deb has unofficially taken on the responsibility of assisting her colleagues with union-related concerns. She is the primary point of support for secretaries district-wide and has been an incredible asset to the Oxford Hills Education Association (OHEA) Executive team. Her ability to navigate sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion has made her an irreplaceable resource.
Her passion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her school community are just a few of the reasons why the Maine Education Association is honored to present Deb Ladner with the Joan McGovern ESP Award. Congratulations Deb!
John H. Marvin Local Association Award:
RECIPIENT: Lewiston EA
When faced with multiple rounds of budget cuts last year, members of the Lewiston Education Association (LEA) led a campaign to mobilize both members and the school community through door-to-door canvassing, letter-writing, and public testimony at school committee meetings. Their efforts successfully preserved 30 jobs and, most importantly, ensured that Lewiston’s students continue receiving the high-quality programs, talented educators, and learning opportunities they deserve.
In addition to budget advocacy efforts, LEA members negotiated a contract—ratified last June—that secured substantial salary increases, longevity stipends, and protected planning time. Building on this momentum, LEA also hosted their first LEA-sponsored conference, providing professional development opportunities and a space for members to collaborate, advocate, and strengthen their voices in shaping public education.
Their efforts to unify and engage LEA members and the wider Lewiston community to build positive relationships between educators and families, fostering community connections, are a true example of how strong schools create strong communities. LEA has proven the powerful force of the collective voice of MEA educators in leading positive changes to strengthen our public schools. This is why the Maine Education Association congratulates the Lewiston Education Association, and its leaders President Krista St. Cyr and Vice President Jaye Rich, on their exceptional leadership and efforts to strengthen their local association.
Ann Sheehan Political Action Award
RECIPIENT: ACSUM
Faced with wages that have not kept up with inflation, and many members forced to work additional jobs or rely on public assistance to make ends meet, the Associated COLT Staff of the Universities of Maine (ACSUM) became central to advocating for increased appropriations to the university system. ACSUM members worked with Senator Mike Tipping and the MEA’s two other bargaining units at the University of Maine System—UMPSA and AFUM—to bring awareness to the structural and economic impact that insufficient state funding to the University System has on staff and students alike.
Over the last year, ACSUM members have dedicated countless hours to advocating for MEA’s Fund Maine’s Future Campaign to raise the state appropriations to the University System. Together they have shown up to legislative committee meetings, written letters to the editor, met with legislators, helped organize a lobby day at the Maine State House, and shared their stories across the state. Their dedication has been crucial to MEA’s advocacy efforts at the State House this year.
ACSUM members’ ability to collaborate, advocate, and use their voices to make lasting change for all faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maine system is why the Maine Education Association is proud to present ACSUM and its President Brian Berger with the Ann Sheehan Political Action Award. Congratulations, ACSUM!
Ann Sheehan Political Action Award
RECIPIENT: Crystal Ward
Twenty-five years ago, MEA Retired member Crystal Ward brought a New Business Item to the NEA-RA with hopes of repealing the harmful Social Security Offsets known as GPO/WEP. She has been lobbying diligently for their successful repeal ever since. Crystal has faithfully written, called, and met with Maine’s Congressional Delegation for decades to ask them to repeal that these unfair provisions, which robbed countless educators and other public service workers of the Social Security benefits they earned.
In December, the Social Security Fairness Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and was signed into law by President Biden. As a result, over 25,000 retired Mainers—many MEA-R members included—began receiving adjusted Social Security payments this spring.
Crystal’s advocacy and persistence have truly changed the lives of millions of people across the United States. Thank you, Crystal, for reminding us to never give up. Crystal’s decades-long dedication to these advocacy efforts is one of the many reasons that MEA is honored to present her with the Ann Sheehan Political Action Award.
Ashley Bryant Arts and Humanities Award (Did Not Attend)
RECIPIENT: Deborah Elz Hammond
A lifelong artist and patron of the arts, Bangor High School teacher Deborah Elz Hammond encourages her students to explore theater in ways that evoke emotional and intellectual responses and challenge societal norms. As a stalwart ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Deborah has fostered a culture of respect and equity in her classroom. She leads the Bangor High School Drama Club as the dedicated director of high-caliber plays and musicals.
Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Deborah’s ability to meet each student with compassion, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and successful, is what makes her classes so memorable. The Maine Education Association is proud to present Deborah Elz Hammond with the Ashley Bryant Arts and Humanities Award for fostering a love of theater and leaving a lasting impact on her students that they carry with them well into adulthood.
Corporate Award
RECIPIENT: Ruth’s Reusable Resources
It is estimated that educators spend over $610 of their own money on school supplies for their classrooms each year—though many of us would agree that this figure is likely very conservative, and we spend much more than that. Ruth’s Reusable Resources in Portland has become a critical partner in helping educators get their hands on these much-needed school supplies for free. Walking into Ruth’s sometimes feels like walking into a gold mine for many of us!
Since 1994, Ruth’s Reusable Resources has bridged the gap between businesses and education by transferring unwanted office supplies and furniture to Maine students and teachers—over $100 million worth! You can find almost anything at Ruth’s: pencils, binders, glue sticks, notebooks, poster paper, bulletin board supplies, and even craft supplies.
This year, Ruth’s Reusable Resources is helping to support over 10,000 Maine educators and nearly 65,000 students across 160 schools. Ruth’s Reusable Resources’ commitment to investing in Maine educators and ensuring that they have the tools they need in their classrooms so that Maine students can focus their attention on learning is why the Maine Education Association is pleased to award them with the Corporate Award.
Corporate Award (Did Not Attend)
RECIPIENT: Girls on the Run Maine
Volunteer coaches from Girls on the Run utilize research-based programs to promote the physical and emotional health of students in grades 3-8. Their inclusive approach builds a sense of belonging and connection within each team. Participants learn to forge new connections with peers and coaches, gain self-confidence, manage emotions, and express empathy through lessons that blend physical activity and life skills. At the end of the season, teams celebrate with a community 5K run.
The Maine Education Association is proud to present Girls on the Run Maine with the Corporate Award this year for their dedication to building community, celebrating growth, and promoting inclusivity for Maine youth. Join me in congratulating Executive Director Emily Clark and the rest of the team at Girls on the Run Maine.
Friend of Education Award
RECIPIENT: Dr. Elizabeth Eames
Elected in 2021, this year’s Friend of Education Awardee brought a fresh perspective to the Lewiston School Committee. A dedicated community member, educator, and lifelong learner, Dr. Elizabeth Eames has invested many hours in the Lewiston Schools, engaging staff, students, and families to encourage meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders.
On the School Committee, she has been a voice for policies that promote inclusion and equity across Lewiston’s schools. Dr. Eames also takes her advocacy efforts on behalf of the students, staff, and families of Lewiston schools to Augusta. As the Committee’s Legislative Liaison, Dr. Eames is consistently at the forefront of proposing important legislation. A retired Bates professor and educator herself, Dr. Elizabeth Eames embodies what it means to be a Friend of Education. Thank you, Dr. Eames!
Golden Apple Award
RECIPIENT: I’m Your Neighbor Books
I’m Your Neighbor Books takes an inclusive approach to fostering literacy across the community. By providing diverse books to schools, libraries, and communities, they ensure students have access to reading materials that reflect their experiences and cultures. I’m Your Neighbor Books partners with schools to harness the power of literature, welcoming new immigrant families and encouraging a sense of belonging. Volunteers from I’m Your Neighbor Books visit schools to share stories, connecting with students in meaningful conversations about immigration through children’s literature.
For their dedication to enhancing literacy education through diversity, inclusivity, and volunteerism is why the MEA is pleased to present I’m Your Neighbor Books with the Golden Apple Award. Congratulations to executive director and co-founder Kirsten Cappy, and the staff, board, and volunteers of I’m Your Neighbor Books!
Golden Apple Award
RECIPIENT: Kyle Leathers
This Golden Apple recipient has dedicated hundreds of hours to providing students with opportunities that would not exist without his commitment to the youth of the Millinocket community. Kyle Leathers has promoted, fundraised for, and coached the school’s E-Sports team, giving students who aren’t interested in athletics or performing arts, the chance to participate as part of a team. Kyle also successfully acquired grant funds to help community youth develop projects like the Middle School Robotics Team and the High School’s Career Fair, as well as increasing access to college and career readiness by partnering with Gear Up.
As a social studies educator, Kyle models the importance of community engagement for his students through Project Citizenship. These projects teach students about civics, public policy and community commitment, and Kyle guides them to pursue these projects at local and state government levels. This has led to the creation of a community center and the development of a school garden to promote fresh vegetables and fruits in the school nutrition program.
Kyle’s unwavering commitment to his students and his volunteer work in the community create a loving and caring atmosphere for everyone. This dedication is why the MEA is pleased to present Kyle Leathers with the Golden Apple Award tonight.
Golden Apple Award
RECIPIENT: Jaimie Caouette
The Store Next Door, under the leadership of Jaimie Caouette, has become a vital resource for Lewiston’s youth. Their program provides essential items such as clean clothing, toiletries, household essentials, and school supplies, ensuring that students have what they need to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.
Beyond these tangible resources, The Store Next Door offers academic support and tutoring, addressing students’ needs with dignity and care.
Jaimie’s work has become a true safety net for students facing homelessness, poverty, and significant challenges. Her advocacy efforts have helped to create an environment where all students feel valued and respected, and they each have the support to pursue their education and accomplish their dreams.
The unwavering dedication to enhancing students’ lives through comprehensive support and advocacy is why the MEA is pleased to present The Store Next Door with the Golden Apple Award. Congratulations to Jaimie Caouette and the entire team at The Store Next Door for their exceptional impact on the community and their profound commitment to Lewiston’s students.
Human and Civil Rights Award
RECIPIENT: Ina Demers
Our next awardee is a true example of tireless advocacy—in fact, she spent nearly her entire April Break at the State House advocating for Maine’s students and educators. If you have ever been around Ina Demers, you know her passion for civil and human rights. She is often speaking up on behalf of marginalized populations in Maine—advocating for a more inclusive curriculum and educational opportunities for multilingual learners, children of immigrants, Maine’s First Peoples, and other marginalized groups at the Maine Legislature and beyond.
As a multilingual educator and member of the Instruction and Professional Development Committee, Ina adds important insights to help the committee target professional development opportunities to better meet the needs of all members. She consistently reminds us to consider the diverse experiences of the students we serve.
Ina’s ability to use her expertise, voice, and passion for civil rights and justice to support everyone across the state is why the MEA is proud to present her with the Human and Civil Rights Award. Congratulations, Ina!
Human and Civil Rights Award (Did Not Attend)
RECIPIENT: Lea Crane
After identifying a need for language support among multilingual Transportation staff, Lea Crane took action. As a member of the Board of Directors of BASE—the MEA local for administrative assistance, custodial, food service, maintenance, transportation, and IT staff at Portland Public Schools—Lea sought support from PPS’s Multilingual and Multicultural Center for communication and translation services.
Through her collaboration with MMC, Lea hosted dozens of meetings with multilingual staff, providing translators to help them understand their collective bargaining agreement and address timecard, payroll, and time off request challenges. This initiative not only helped grow her union but also advocated for PPS administration to include these supports in the upcoming school budget.
Lea’s advocacy efforts on behalf of her multilingual colleagues at PPS have secured continued and future support and create a more equitable workplace at Portland Public Schools, MEA is pleased to present her with the Human and Civil Rights Award tonight. She was unable to join us, but please join me in congratulating her!
Public Higher Education Impact Award (Did Not Attend)
RECIPIENT: Raphael Okutoro
A strong advocate for faculty and staff, Raphael Okutoro has successfully secured funding for critical academic programs, enhanced professional development opportunities, and fostered collaboration between higher education institutions and the community. His leadership has led to tangible improvements in faculty support structures, ensuring that educators thrive in their roles and provide students with the best possible learning experience.
Raphael is not only a leader but also a compassionate and inspiring figure whose commitment to higher education is evident in his work. His dedication to fostering an environment of excellence and equity, along with his ability to bring together educational leaders and community constituents, has resulted in meaningful changes that strengthen the foundation of public higher education. The Maine Education Association is pleased to present Raphael Okutoro with the Public Education Impact Award.
Public Higher Education Impact Award (Did Not Attend)
RECIPIENT: Michael Cauvel
A driving force behind this year’s Fund Maine Future campaign to raise state appropriations for the University of Maine system, has been Associate Professor at the University of Southern Maine and president of USM’s AFUM chapter Michael Cauvel. Michael conducted extensive research on funding across the UMaine System, its economic impact, and comparisons to peer institutions. His research and expertise have been instrumental in highlighting the economic impact of Maine’s underfunded public university system and advancing the Fund Maine’s Future campaign.
Although Michael Cauvel was unable to join us tonight, the MEA is pleased to present him with the Public Higher Education Impact Award. His efforts to increase state appropriations and improve the lives of faculty, staff, and students across the UMaine System will have a lasting impact on public higher education in Maine.
